Album Review - Dark Sky Paradise by Big Sean

Big Sean has always been an artist you mostly just bare with. He is often on great songs, usually as the weak link. See "Mercy" or "Clique". He's alright in small doses, much like 2 Chainz, and you often wish he just sticks to the hook and doesn't lay a verse. And yet he is surrounded by obvious talent and released a new album, easily his best yet. That's not saying much. Yes there has been some surprising praise of this album, and I'll join the chorus with a caveat. It's not a great record by any means but it's okay, kinda good at times. Why? Mostly since Big Sean seems to have stepped up his game a bit, and also because Kanye, for whatever reason, decided to grab this by the horns and produce it. Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye, John Legend, E-40(!) among others show up, so Big Sean knows he can't do the heavy lifting by himself. At times this album feels like he's trying to be J. Cole, which is admirable to an extent. It's an easy listen, and a step in the right direction, and ultimately a pleasant surprise. Lowered expectations can do wonders.